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How target cell stiffness controls immune cell nibbling
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Abstract
Cortical tension of target cells is a key regulator of macrophage behavior, influencing their preference for trogocytosis over phagocytosis.
- Macrophages preferentially trogocytose antibody-opsonized cells at low cortical tension.
- Higher cortical tension prompts macrophages to shift towards phagocytosis.
- Macrophages rapidly change from trogocytosis to phagocytosis when membrane tension increases.
- Stiffening the cortex of target cells encourages phagocytosis by macrophages.
- Increased antibody surface density can counteract the phagocytic bias caused by stiff target cells.
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